Exclusive: Eeze CEO Lai Fatt Chiang on AI, Leadership and the Future of Global iGaming
The global iGaming industry continues to evolve through technological innovation, expanding regulation, and increasing competition across international markets. As businesses look for sustainable growth, success depends on combining strong leadership, strategic partnerships, compliance, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions.
In this exclusive interview with iGaming News Today, Eeze CEO Lai Fatt Chiang shares insights from more than two decades in the gaming industry, discussing leadership, AI, international expansion, responsible gaming, and the trends that will shape the future of global iGaming.
Q1. Let’s start with your journey. You’ve spent more than two decades building gaming businesses across Asia-Pacific. Looking back, what experiences have shaped your leadership philosophy the most?
Lai Fatt Chiang:
Having been fortunate enough to work across both the land-based and online gaming industries, I have been given a well-rounded perspective on how the sector has evolved.
I started my career on the land-based side, where areas like compliance, game certification and operational processes were already well established. It has been interesting to see many of those same principles now playing such an important role in iGaming.
Working across Asia-Pacific has also taught me that every market is different. You cannot assume what works in one country will work in another. Understanding local cultures, player behaviours and regulations is essential.
From a leadership perspective, I have always believed in keeping things simple, being transparent and trusting people to do their jobs.
Q2. Throughout your career, you’ve successfully expanded into several new markets. What do you believe is the biggest challenge when entering a new gaming market?
Lai Fatt Chiang:
One of the biggest mistakes companies can make is assuming they have already got the right product before they have really understood the market.
Every jurisdiction has different regulations, player preferences and commercial dynamics, so taking the time to learn those differences is vital in my opinion.
Of course, having a strong product is important, but so is having the right route to market. Distribution is often the difference between success and failure, and that is why we have invested heavily in partnerships with companies like BetConstruct, EveryMatrix and others, which help us reach operators more efficiently and scale in new markets.
As we continue expanding across Latin America, particularly in markets like Brazil and Peru, combining local understanding with strong partnerships will be key to long-term success.
Q3. You’ve built teams across multiple countries and cultures. What qualities do you believe are most important when leading international teams?
Lai Fatt Chiang:
For me, it always comes back to one simple question: how would I want to be managed?
That is something I have tried to apply throughout my whole career, and it continues to shape the way I lead today.
I believe in trusting others with their roles and keeping communication clear. When you are working across different countries and cultures, it is important to recognise that everyone brings different experiences and perspectives, and that is a real strength if you create the right environment.
If people understand the direction you are heading in and feel trusted to contribute, you will usually get the best out of them, which rings true in both work and everyday life.
Ultimately, if people understand the direction you’re heading in, feel trusted and know they’re supported, you’ll get the very best from them.
Q4. AI is becoming increasingly important across the gaming industry. How do you see AI influencing operations, products, and customer experience over the next few years?
Lai Fatt Chiang:
AI is a trend that no business can afford to ignore, and we are already investing more resources into AI-related fields across different parts of the business because we see huge potential in areas like automation, product development and customer experience.
It will help businesses make better decisions through real-time analytics while speeding up product innovation and delivering more personalised experiences for players.
It also has an important role to play in responsible gaming through behavioural monitoring, risk management and early intervention.
That said, I do not believe AI is here to replace people, and that is the danger. AI should improve productivity and help talented teams innovate faster.
Really, the companies that will succeed are the ones that combine AI with great products and great people.
Q5. As the gaming industry expands into more regulated markets, how do you balance business growth with responsible gaming and regulatory compliance?
Lai Fatt Chiang:
We see compliance as an enabler of growth, not a barrier.
Our focus has always been on building a business that can grow sustainably over the long term, which is why responsible gaming, strong governance and compliance are built into everything we do from the outset.
Over the past 12 months, we have invested significantly in strengthening our legal and compliance team, doubling its size to ensure we can support the business proactively as we enter new regulated markets.
That investment allows us to identify new opportunities early, navigate evolving regulatory landscapes with confidence and continue expanding responsibly.
Ultimately, long-term success comes from earning the trust of regulators, partners and players.
By embedding compliance and responsible gaming into our wider business strategy, we’re creating a strong foundation for sustainable growth for years to come.
Q6. How important are strategic partnerships in helping gaming companies expand into new markets?
Lai Fatt Chiang:
Naturally these are incredibly important because they help businesses expand into new markets more quickly and effectively.
For us, they are focused on bringing together the strengths of both companies to create value that neither could achieve alone.
The right partnership can provide access to technology, expertise, distribution and the infrastructure needed to accelerate growth.
Our recent partnership with Yggdrasil is a great example of that approach. Through Studio in a Box™, we have gained access to proven technology, development capabilities and certification frameworks that will significantly accelerate our proprietary slots strategy.
It is a partnership that benefits both businesses and demonstrates how combining complementary strengths can create new opportunities, boost market reach and support long-term growth.
Q7. Looking toward 2027 and beyond, what major trends do you think will shape the future of the global gaming industry?
Lai Fatt Chiang:
Broadly, product innovation has slowed slightly over the past couple of years, but I think that is about to change. We are already starting to see the industry move towards a new wave of innovation, and I expect we’ll see many more creative and differentiated products coming to market over the next few years.
At the same time, operators are increasingly looking for larger product portfolios from fewer suppliers. The convergence of live casino, game shows and slots will continue, and suppliers that can deliver a complete entertainment ecosystem will have a real competitive advantage.
Regulation will also continue to expand, and I see that as a positive development. Strong regulation enhances security, protects players and creates greater stability and confidence across the industry.
That said, it’s important that regulation remains proportionate. If compliance becomes overly burdensome, it can significantly increase operating costs, which are often passed on to consumers. The ideal balance is a regulatory framework that safeguards the integrity of the industry while continuing to encourage innovation, healthy competition and sustainable growth.
Finally, AI-driven personalisation and automation will become standard across the industry, helping businesses improve customer experiences and operate more efficiently. Combined with markets continuing to mature across the globe, I think these developments will create significant opportunities for businesses that can combine innovation, technology and strong execution.
About Eeze
Eeze is a global iGaming solutions provider focused on delivering innovative gaming content, platform capabilities, and scalable technology for regulated and emerging markets. The company works with operators and strategic partners worldwide to provide engaging player experiences while maintaining a strong commitment to regulatory compliance, responsible gaming, and long-term sustainable growth. Through continuous investment in technology, product innovation, and strategic partnerships, Eeze is expanding its global footprint and helping shape the next generation of digital gaming.
